Why the Chilling A44 Zombie Movie Is Going Viral Just in Time for Spooky Season
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A small-town outbreak, a mysterious virus, and a secret buried beneath every bite, A44 isn’t your average zombie movie. Written, directed, produced and starring Chris Cooney, better known as The Vegan Zombie, this new horror movie is creeping onto screens just in time for spooky season. Now streaming free on UNCHAINEDTV, A44 delivers chaos, heart, and a twist you’ll never see coming.
Hollywood, California, October 8th, 2025 When you think of a zombie movie, you probably imagine rotting corpses, mindless gore, and the same old apocalypse setup. A44 takes that formula, buries it six feet under, and resurrects it in a completely new way.
Chris Cooney, writer, director, editor, and star of A44, spent over 16 years bringing his idea to life. The result is a gripping, fast-paced horror movie that sneaks in heart, humor, and a touch of humanity amid the chaos. His loyal dog, Indy, a fan favorite from his YouTube channel, also co-stars, adding warmth and authenticity to a world unraveling.
“Back in 2009, I had a full-time job I didn’t like,” Cooney explains. “I wanted to be passionate about something, so I started brainstorming. I’ve always loved filmmaking, I love horror, and I’d already been vegan for most of my life. I thought—how can I combine all of that?”
That spark became A44, a horror movie about a student trying to figure out why people around him are turning into zombies. Could it have anything to do with the cheeseburgers and milkshakes they’re devouring?
Watch A44, the indie zombie movie written and directed by Chris Cooney, now streaming on UNCHAINEDTV
From Idea to Indie Masterpiece
Cooney first shared his concept online through his Vegan Zombie YouTube channel, where he blended humor, recipes, and horror-themed skits. What began as a creative outlet for short zombie clips quickly evolved into a passionate community of fans hungry for something different.
In 2015, Cooney launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $85,000, enabling him to begin filming A44 in his hometown of upstate New York, at the same high school he had once attended. “It was surreal,” he said. “We shot in August 2022, and Dr. Michael Greger even came up for a day to shoot his cameo. He was incredible.”
Despite a small budget, Cooney wore nearly every hat in production—from directing and acting to editing and color grading. “Our budget was so low I couldn’t hire anyone else for post-production,” he said. “I did all the editing, visual effects, and color work myself.”
The result looks anything but low-budget. With haunting lighting, tight pacing, and impressive visuals, A44 rivals big-studio horror movies, proof that passion and persistence can bring even the most ambitious indie ideas to life.
The Story Behind the Scares
At its core, A44 is a zombie movie, but one that asks deeper questions. The film follows Harley, a college student navigating a sudden outbreak that turns friends and neighbors into monsters.
“I wanted to make a zombie apocalypse movie that was as plausible as possible,” Cooney said. “I didn’t want to give too much away, but the idea came from what people are eating and how that might come back to haunt them.”
It’s a clever premise that gives the classic zombie movie a modern twist. The suspense builds gradually, mixing emotional depth with moments of dark humor that make it perfect for fans of Shaun of the Dead and The Walking Dead.
A Horror Movie with Heart
Unlike many gore-heavy films, A44 strikes a balance between its scares and sincerity. Cooney’s real-life bond with his dog, Indy, shines through, giving the film emotional weight and warmth amid the chaos. That relationship between human and dog grounds the story, making it more than just another horror flick.
“I wanted this to be more than a typical horror movie,” Cooney said. “The best films are the ones that stick with you. The ones you think about the next day, the next week.”
It’s that blend of scares and soul that’s making A44 resonate with horror fans. The movie doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or clichés; it builds dread and curiosity in equal measure.
Sixteen Years in the Making
For Cooney, A44 was more than a creative project; it was a mission. “I wrote it in 2009,” he said. “It feels incredible to finally have the movie done and be looking at what’s next.”
After years of writing, filming, editing, and navigating the challenges of indie production, the film’s release feels like a triumph. Cooney hopes it will entertain as well as inspire fans to think more deeply about what’s behind the horrors we create—both on-screen and off.
“I feel like A44 is the movie nobody’s looking for, but once they see it, they realize it’s the diamond in the rough,” Cooney said. “You’ve got to see it.”
Where to Watch A44 Zombie Movie
A44 is now streaming free on UNCHAINEDTV. It’s the perfect horror movie to kick off spooky season, and proof that the indie spirit is alive and well.
So grab your popcorn, keep the lights on, and get ready for a zombie movie that’s redefining the apocalypse.
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About the Author: Heather Dahman
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